Arts
Overview
The arts classes at Seattle Prep create and enable aesthetic perception and experiences through preparation, performance and hands-on creativity. The classes are taught by practicing artists to provide an enriching experience. Through the appreciation and analysis of masterworks, through familiarity with the languages of art, through dialogue and reflection, and through the creation of musical, visual and dramatic pieces, the arts come alive at Prep.
The arts provide tools with which students can perceive music, drama, filmmaking and visual art in terms of beauty. The aesthetic response to art is valuable, as it brings vividness and breadth to experience, and sharpens a student’s grasp of culture. More subtly, the value of aesthetics is that it teaches students how to receive what is presented to them as a gift.
Curriculum
Each freshman takes a sequence of two semester-long arts classes. After freshman year, each sophomore and junior is required to take one semester of an arts class each year. Seniors may continue their pursuit of the arts through various electives. See classes below.
Arts Faculty
Department Chair
Melissa Dold teaches visual art classes including Freshman Art, Drawing, Printmaking, and AP Art + Design. She is married to fellow artist Kyle Cook, and they have two daughters, Harper and Calla. Melissa is a practicing artist and received her B.F.A. from the University of Washington, her M.F.A. from Boston University, and her teaching certificate from Pratt Institute in New York.
Arts Courses
![Advanced Acting: Stage, Screen, and Media]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1758059196/seattleprep/fm7ao4psvv90a2runw70/stefano-stacchini-jhPSJDhiRyQ-unsplash.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1758059196/seattleprep/fm7ao4psvv90a2runw70/stefano-stacchini-jhPSJDhiRyQ-unsplash.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1758059196/seattleprep/fm7ao4psvv90a2runw70/stefano-stacchini-jhPSJDhiRyQ-unsplash.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1758059196/seattleprep/fm7ao4psvv90a2runw70/stefano-stacchini-jhPSJDhiRyQ-unsplash.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1758059196/seattleprep/fm7ao4psvv90a2runw70/stefano-stacchini-jhPSJDhiRyQ-unsplash.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1758059196/seattleprep/fm7ao4psvv90a2runw70/stefano-stacchini-jhPSJDhiRyQ-unsplash.jpg","width":2200}])
Advanced Acting: Stage, Screen, and Media
Advanced Acting: Stage, Screen, and Media is a creative, performance-driven course for experienced theatre students ready to refine their craft across multiple mediums. Students engage in advanced scene work, monologue preparation, on-camera technique, voice and movement training, and collaborative media projects. The class emphasizes versatility, understanding the demands of live theatre, adapting performances for the camera, and exploring storytelling through digital platforms. With a focus on professionalism, creativity, and artistic discipline, students build a comprehensive portfolio and prepare for collegiate level theatre and media performance opportunities.
This course is offered for sophomores, juniors and seniors
![Advanced Choir]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1695484519/seattleprep/cvysl0kw6lycipvgdlal/choir.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1695484519/seattleprep/cvysl0kw6lycipvgdlal/choir.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1695484519/seattleprep/cvysl0kw6lycipvgdlal/choir.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1695484519/seattleprep/cvysl0kw6lycipvgdlal/choir.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1695484519/seattleprep/cvysl0kw6lycipvgdlal/choir.jpg","width":1500}])
Advanced Choir
Advanced Choir is a more thorough study of the art of choral singing. Students will sing more complex repertoire, gain a deeper understanding of vocal technique, and grow both as a choral ensemble and as an individual vocalist. Students enrolled must have taken a previous choir course at Prep or have other outside choral experience as a perquisite for placement. This class rehearses during the school day and performs at the Fall Concert, Christmas Concert, Benaroya Hall, and joins Window Choir in traveling to festivals and competitions around the state. This course is being offered as a yearlong course, with the option to take just a single semester in the fall.
This course is offered for sophomores, juniors and seniors
![Advanced Filmmaking]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1695509663/seattleprep/kohksgexjcf0m0t0lxbf/cameralens.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1695509663/seattleprep/kohksgexjcf0m0t0lxbf/cameralens.jpg","width":509}])
Advanced Filmmaking
Advanced Filmmaking is an intensive, project-driven course for students ready to take their filmmaking skills to the next level. Building on foundational techniques, students dive deeper into cinematography, advanced editing, sound design, directing actors, and visual storytelling. They conceptualize, plan, film, and edit a series of shorts—experimenting with narrative, documentary, and creative media forms. The course emphasizes professional workflows, critique, and refinement, encouraging students to push their artistic boundaries and develop a polished portfolio suitable for college applications or film festivals.
Pre-Requisite: Filmmaking Class, Film. Club or equivalent filming and editing experience
This course is offered to sophomores, juniors and seniors.